How To Use Windows XP System Restore

Manually restore computer to a previous state.

*It is important to note that you can restore and undo a bad restore from Safe Mode.

Open System Restore

Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

or from the Run Box:

Start > Run > type (or copy and paste): C:\WINDOWS\system32\Restore\rstrui.exe

(actually, in most browsers you can just click on the link)

*You can start System Restore from Safe Mode with Command Prompt by using the command above.

In the resulting screen click the circle next to Restore my computer to an earlier time and click Next.

*If you have ever used System Restore to restore your computer a 3rd option will be available in the screen below, "Undo my last restoration". A handy thing to remember if things go wrong!

In the resulting screen choose the point you wish to restore to. It is usually best to try your most recent one and work your way backwards if that doesn't correct your problems. Click Next.

The usual "are you sure you idiot" screen from Microsoft will pop up.

Click Next and your computer will reboot.

If all has gone well you'll see this screen after rebooting.

You're done!

For everything you could possibly want to know about System Restore see the System Restore FAQ's from Microsoft.

How to delete old Restore Points

1 - Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup > in the resulting screen click the More Options tab > in the section entitled System Restore click the Clean Up... button > answer Yes to the resulting pop-up.

2 - To remove all Restore Points > press the Windows + Pause Break keys > in the resulting window click on the System Restore tab > check the box next to Turn off System Restore on all drives > click Apply > uncheck the box next to Turn off System Restore on all drives > Click Apply.

How to change the amount of disk spaced used by System Restore

1 - press the Windows + Pause Break keys > in the resulting window click on the System Restore tab > click on the Settings button. You can make the adjustments there.

2 - If you want to increase the amount of space available beyond the default maximum of 12% you'll need to modify the registry. Go to Start > Run > type regedit > navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SystemRestore > find the entry called DiskPercent in the right pane and double-click on it > in the resulting screen check the radio button next to Decimal, enter the desired value and click OK. We have now reset the max value. You must then follow step 1.